Staff

Sound Choices

Ecological indicators can facilitate Ecosystem-based Management, but only if targets for indicators exist. Because targets are an expression of the desired state of the ecosystem, establishing targets must include ecological understanding and societal values. This project developed a unique approach for identifying scientifically rigorous ecosystem targets that explicitly considers social perspectives.

Focusing on the Puget Sound Partnership species and food web goals, we:

Identified a set of critical ecosystem attributes, and used a food web model to examine changes to these attributes as a result of simulated changes in nearshore habitat; and

Conducted social norm analyses in which stakeholders were asked to rate the desirability of a range of potential ecosystem conditions.

Through our partnership with the Seattle Aquarium, we developed an exhibit called "Sound Choices" to help the public explore how our choices, both as individuals and as a society, shape the future of Puget Sound. How much restoration is enough? What are the economic costs of protecting biodiversity? These and other questions are the basis of the exhibit designed to illustrate how our values about clean water, transportation, and land use result in tradeoffs that affect the ecology of Puget Sound. Sound Choices is based on our ongoing research on the science behind ecosystem-based management is helping us identify what makes a healthy ecosystem, understand the risks and benefits of management decisions, and plan for future pressures on our region, such as from climate change and population growth.

Multimedia

Puget Sound images

Ecosystem Science and Scientists

Understanding Ecosystem Human Health

Integrated Ecosystem Assessments

Ecosystem Science: Facing Trade-offs in Ocean Management

Education

What do we as individuals and as a society want for the future of Puget Sound? How much restoration is enough? Explore the new exhibit, "Sound Choices", developed by NOAA Fisheries and the Seattle Aquarium.
Go to Seattle Aquarium web site.